Is Klopp Eyeing Rafael Camacho For Right Back?

We’ve not seen much from the young player since preseason, but some are speculating that he might be in line for a start soon.

There’s no two ways about it: Joe Gomez’s injury is bad, and in all the worst possible ways. It weakens our starting XI. It weakens our depth at center back and right back. And it comes in the busiest time of the year—one which very well could determine our viability to compete for trophies in Europe and in England.

But Jurgen Klopp & Co. must carry on. And the Liverpool boss has a plan.

“I have a plan,” Klopp explained in his prematch presser. “Unsurprisingly. We will see what we will do but we have other options of course.

“You know all of them. We have a lot of players who can play that position, especially the way we play now.

“You can go through the squad …. Milner, Fabinho, more, but I have nothing to say about that. Wait and you will see what options we have!”

Kloppo, normally not one to discuss injuries and personnel options at length, was typically vague on the subject. However, the inclusion of youth player Rafael Camacho against Burnley has led some—including pundits at The Echo—to speculate that he could be part of the plans.

As good as Trent Alexander-Arnold has been since becoming first-choice right back, he’ll certainly need rest of the next month. Former first-choice right back, (and formerly indestructible) Nathaniel Clyne, seems to be more or less perma-crocked with injury after injury plaguing his possible return to the side. Someone send him to diagnostics, he seems to have picked up some malware along the way.

James Milner and Fabinho could both probably do a job, but that limits Klopp’s options and ability to keep things fresh in the middle of the park. Fabinho, especially, would be a loss considering his recent uptick in form.

So that brings us to Portuguese youth international Camacho. We saw some impressive preseason cameos from the youngster, and while he plays attacking mid for the U23s, he could be an option. He certainly wouldn’t be the first talented player to force his way into the team at fullback.

“He wants to see me defending-wise and I’m just trying to do my best to help the team,” Camacho said this summer during the preseason tour.

“(I want) to impress and give everything everyday to show the boss and help the whole team and show I can be a part of this Liverpool squad and go from there.”

It might be a good way to break into the team, and provide some much needed cover during a month when energy will be at a premium. Hopefully he’ll be ready if he gets the call.